Softopper vs bestop super top pros and cons

So after doing quite a bit of research I've come up with a small list of things that could change your mind on whether or not you want a Bestop or a Softopper. I tried to put some stuff on here that you usually wouldn't think about unless you have one or have had experience with one yourself. I will be adding pictures soon for visual aid! Also some of the things will be both a pro and con depending on what your looking for.

Softopper

Pros:
Folds up and down easily and quickly.
No side windows so it's harder to see inside.
Sides can be changed from rolled up to put down very easily.
Windows don't have to be removed in order to be folded down (unlike bestop)

Cons:
Does not have side windows so visibility is hindered .
Tightened down with straps on each corner.
Frame mounts inside of bed on the side of the bed walls(not on top of the rails) so you loose about an inch of space on each side.
Difficult to put things in and out from side with only the sides rolled up and the rest still up.
I have not yet figured out a way to make it lockable.
Have to put velcro strips on tailgate for back to stay down.
Unpainted aluminum rails stick out when top is folded down

Bestop

Pros:
Has side windows for good visibility.
Frame is mounted on top of the bed rails so it will not interfere with anything your trying to put in your bed
Black finished aluminum rails blend in well (looks better in my opinion)
I have figured spout a way to make it lockable.(I'll make another thread soon on how to do this.)

Cons:
The side windows need to be removed in order to fold up the top. This means you have to bring them with you or store them somewhere.
People can see your stuff more easily with side windows.
Not quite as easy to put up because it is tightened by the fabric over the rails and not straps at each corner like the Softopper.

This list is very tentative and I'm sure I'm missing some stuff so please feel free to add some stuff in other posts and maybe I'll add it on the lists here. Also sorry it's very repetitive, I did that to give views from every angle. Good luck getting the one that works best for you, hope this helped

 

I've been trying to find a picture of a black access cabs with various colours of softoppers. Think I'm goona get one

 

While the pins are inside the bed rails, the Softopper frame is mounted on top of the bed rails.

I really like my Softopper and I much preferred the looks of the Softopper to the Besttop and factored heavily in my decision. Also, after having several Wranglers w/ soft tops, the plastic windows are a pain in the arse in the Winter. I also prefer the privacy the lack of windows gives me as my main purpose for the topper was camping and sleeping in the bed of my truck.

 

Softopper mounts on the bed rails. I prefer the no windows - more durable and I like the privacy. I like the privacy so much I had Softopper make me a solid back cover that I now use. Great privacy, I can leave things in the back. I just roll it up if I need to see out the back.

Also, I never bothered with the velcro on the tailgate to keep the bottom of the back flap down. Stays down just fine. You don't need the velcro there.

 

Yes that is what I'm saying DoorDing. Heres a picture of the bestop for comparison.

 

I want one. Not positive which, is anyone selling one or have any recommendations of where to purchase? The best price I've seen online is still in the $650 range.

 

There was some guy in the 2nd gen marketplace selling bestops for $540. I didn't buy from him but a ton of others did and he seems reputable. not sure on Any good deals on softoppers. One things for sure, it seems like after 2011 majority of mid range tonneaus went up by $400, and both softopper and bestops up by$200. People were getting bestops in the $480 is range back in the old threads I read. What gives!

 

There is actually a guy in SD selling a bestop for $400 used right now

 

Hey all,

Any one have pictures looking down the bed rails that the cap sits on? I'm talking about outside the cap and not the inside. I'm looking into either cap but I will be fabricating a rack to go over and want an idea of how much room I have to work with...

Thanks!

 

Drool. As soon as my Bakflip wears out, I'm getting one.

 

White on white?

 

I got the bestop solely because of the side windows for visibility. I ordered a couple extra clamps for the front rail against the cab. The Velcro was coming loose and flapping in the wind. I got my soft top off eBay for $160 shipped. It was from a place that sells blemished car parts. All at was wrong was the frame had some scratches that were not even that bad. It's a truck so if something in the bed is scratched, oh well.

 

If nobody else does, I'll get one in a few hours for you.

 

Not the best pictures but.......

 

best part about softopper over bestop is you can easily open the sides for full ventilation within a minute with no hassle of windows. You still have full shade from the sun. IMHO the size of the bestop windows being open is still not enough airflow to take a nap back there under the sun. Softopper suited my needs better.

 

Can you recall or locate the dealer on ebay? I clicked on your link but it seemed more generic than a specific store.

 

Has anyone had any experience camping in the softoppers and bestops and had any problems with accessibility? Such as being able to button up the canopy and getting out all from the inside? I live in western WA and being able to seal it up and then get back out easily in rain will be a must.

 

I’d imagine getting out from inside a bestop is a pain in the ass, reason being basically if you were to open it from the outside you must first unlatch the tailgate, then unzip/unvelcro the rear window at each side and then slide the window with it’s security bar out from where it connects to both of the side rails. Only then can you flip up the rear window for full-on access. So if you were inside you’d have no real access to the zippers to even open up the window to even unlatch the tailgate. So I’d cross that one off if you plan on sleeping in it with the tailgate closed.

No clue how the softopper compares, never had one. But always looked like it was just a matter of Velcro at the tailgate.